GSP damaged crucate ligament?

[Tyler_and_Henry]

So my dog started limping after hunting last month. I checked the leg, no swelling, no noticeable damage. So I kept him off it, I figured he twisted it, no biggy . He was doing fine, not favoring it much after awhile. So I took him walking. He was super excited so he ran around like a maniac. Afterward he was limping again. I took him to the vet here in town, she says its a torn cruciate ligament . She says surgery is the only real solution. I'm sort of hoping to not have the surgery if there is another way, but if that's really the best option I'll do it. It seems that it may be more hassle down the road. She also said that this problem is common with GSPs. Any help or info greatly appreciated.

[bobcat]

My Golden Retriever had the same problem, and she was only 3 or 4 years old at the time. Did the surgery at my local vet, and it was fairly reasonable from what I found out after doing some research. I think the entire cost was only a little over $500. It took a couple months recovery time and that is not easy. Your dog will have to be kept on a leash at all times while outside so he doesn't re-injure it before it's fully healed. But it worked well for my dog- she hunted just fine for several years after that. The most important thing is you really need to try to keep the dog's weight down after the surgery.

[6x6in6]

More info for you here.........
http://hunting-washington.com/smf/index.php/topic,63914.0.html

[jackelope]

How old is the dog?

My dog's had a bad left rear leg for a couple years now. I did some recommended therapy, some supplements and other meds and he's been pretty good lately. He has a bad day now and then. He's going on 11 years old now and has slowed down quite a bit anyway so he's not getting a really expensive surgery assuming his legs stay as good as they are now. He isn't a hunting dog....I just have to keep an eye on the type of walks or hikes we go on. No steep stuff, no ice, etc.

I give him Ligaplex 1 and also some Glucosamine(for people). The ligaplex is available through Amazon and the Glucosamine is available at the grocery store.
If your dog is young and active, you will likely have no choice other than the surgery.

[Tyler_and_Henry]

Thanks for the info guys. That's super helpful. My dog is 3 yrs old. So the surgery will be worth it.

P.S. sorry I posted this here, I was reading threads and forgot I wasn't in Hunting Dogs.